Trofeo Portomasolive.com: Qormi, Hibs take on Torino, Catania on Friday

Premier League sides Qormi and Hibernians will be hosting Italian Serie B leaders Torino and Serie A side Catania in the Trofeo Portomasolive.com at the National Stadium on Friday, starting at 18:30.

The tournament is part of the two Italian teams’ one-week training camp in Malta. Torino arrived on Tuesday and will leave on January 3 while the Sicilian side arrives on Thursday evening and will leave on January 5.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Torino captain Rolando Bianchi said this training camp and the tournament will serve the Serie B leaders as preparation for their forthcoming commitments. He praised the hospitality shown by the Maltese.

Torino FC Communication and Brand Licensing Manager Alberto Barile thanked the Malta Football Association for its support and said that just like other top foreign teams a winter training camp in Malta was of great benefit, hopefully this will also be the case for Torino who have an important objective to reach this season.

As regards the tournament, Bianchi said meeting any foreign opposition was always a good challenge. Barile, on the other hand, concluded by saying that if Torino and Catania both win their semi-finals, the Granata could have a taste of the Serie A in the final.

Hibernians coach Mark Miller said that after a break, the players have something to look forward to as they get the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the top players in Italy. He stressed that such games provide local players a lot of experience.

Miller revealed that Torino goalkeeper Lys Gomis will play for the Paolites in the semi-final against Catania as goalkeeper Mario Muscat is unavailable due to personal reasons. Diego Balbinot, Adrian Pulis and Matthew Tabone are all ruled out injured. Striker Alex Pedrosa, who is currently on trial with the club, should make play some part in one or the two games.

Qormi goalkeeper Matthew Farrugia said that for the club, this tournament was another good opportunity to face foreign opposition after taking part in a triangular tournament with Serie B side Triestina last year. Farrugia said this tournament would help the players regain match fitness.

With coach Stephen Azzopardi being unable to lead the team from the bench, the team will be under the guidance of Qormi Nursery Head Coach Edward Micallef.

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7 Comments

i think it’s ridiculous for Hibs to play the Torino goalkeeper. Why not give the opportunity to Mario Muscats reserve as preperation for the big game vs Valletta? even if not why not give this experience to someone local rather than please your opponent. CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME but seems in this country things work out diffferently PITY!!!